FLAPPERS. 33 



A Duck is lighter in proportion than a Diver. That 

 the latter can sink its body take the Great Northern 

 Diver, for example when pursued is curious and 

 puzzling. Whether expelling air assists it to gain 

 and retain this position is more than I can say. I 

 cannot suggest any other explanation. A wounded 

 Duck will often rest with only the bill and eye above 

 water and the body sunk, the top of the back 

 almost on a level with the surface, and just beneath 

 it ; but I have noticed at such times the feet keep 

 up a gentle action, which probably enables the bird 

 to retain its position. 



Great numbers of " flappers " (young wild ducks) 

 are shot on the large inland lakes so numerous in 

 Ireland. There are many islands on these waters 

 covered with grass and scrub, in which a few birds 

 nest every year ; but the majority of young ones 

 that are shot about harvest time have been led 

 down from the mountains by their parents. When 

 out late, trout-fishing, I have more than once seen a 

 string of young paddlers tumble off a bank into the 

 river. They at once splash, sport, and swim like 

 old birds. One June night, after playing and gaffing 

 a salmon that was not landed till moonlight, I was 

 passing through a village on my road home. The 

 good folk were all abed, except a Wild Duck and 

 her tiny straggling brood, that were trotting through 

 the street which led to the water at its further end. 

 In five seconds not one was to be seen, nor with the 

 assistance of a landing-net could I make a capture. 

 Whether on land or water they vanish with mar- 

 vellous alacrity in times of danger. When brought 

 up with tame Ducks their wild nature is always more 



D 



